London For Little Ones

Walk among giants

School’s out but you can still give children a history lesson they’ll love at the world-famous Natural History Museum on South Kensington’s Exhibition Road. The museum’s awe-inspiring Dinosaur Gallery is a firm favourite with all ages. Wander among the treasure trove of fossils, behold the massive triceratops skull, and roar back at the fearsome animatronic T-rex.

If your visit sparks wonder, you needn’t go far for more. The museum’s next door neighbour is the must-see Science Museum, which is running an interactive Power of Music workshop over half term. Explore human connection through music and the science behind why this universal language has such a profound impact on us. Attuned ears can try and tell the difference between melodies written by humans or AI with a musical Turing test, and delight in discovering unusual instruments such as the Pyrophone - an organ powered by flames.

Meet a National Treasure

London’s lively and colourful tribute to Chinese New Year is unmatched across Europe. This year celebrates the Year of the Dragon with festivities commencing on Sunday 11 February. Spectators can enjoy dance and martial arts performances in Trafalgar Square before watching the parade snake its way through the city from Charing Cross to Shaftesbury Avenue, where a gloriously decorated China Town awaits.

Little ones will need to refuel after exerting themselves with so much fun, and a Jungle Book Afternoon Tea at Brown’s Hotel is the perfect choice. Alongside the delicious sandwiches, scones, and cakes on the menu, look out for more unusual items, such as a limited edition of Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book and Alby the monkey, a cheeky companion to accompany you all on your next adventure.

Make Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair your headquarters this half term and allow our concierges to share their insider knowledge of London and its limitless promise of fun for grown ups and kids alike.

Climb Aboard Cutty Sark

Take a trip down the Thames to Greenwich where Cutty Sark, the iconic nineteenth-century tea clipper that once visited nearly every major port in the world, awaits. Keep little ones busy on the lookout for items on and off the ship, and delve into the stories of this historic vessel. A friendly cast of characters is on board to take you back in time, with opportunities to walk the main deck and take the helm at the ship's wheel. Go beneath the ship and lift little ones to touch the copper hull that made Cutty Sark so famously fast.

See some magical sights

If you’re a family of Harry Potter fans but the thought of joining the Warner Bros. Studio crowds is unappealing, why not follow an energetic Harry Potter Trail across the city instead? See the sights that inspired the Wizarding World, from the cosily familiar Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station to the breathtaking Millennium Bridge, which stands proud over the river Thames despite the Death Eaters’ best efforts. 

While you’re nearby, take a stroll along the Thames to Southbank Centre, whose Imagine Children’s Festival offers a range of inspiring workshops. Children can try their hand at mindful letter-writing, immerse themselves in the rousing ‘Art Makes People Powerful’ creative zone, and hear stories and poetry read by the much-loved Michael Rosen.

Keep them sweet

Green-fingered families will love the Chelsea Physic Garden, home to some 5,000 different edible, medicinal, and rare plant collections. This half term, children are invited to take part in a Valentine’s Chocolate Workshop where they can experiment with botanical ingredients to make a selection of yummy treats while learning that chocolate really does grow on trees!